Regional Coverage
Regional Coverage
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Middle East
- Topic: ESG
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 25 August 2025
- Year: 2025
Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) has signed an MoU with Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat) to advance Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives in support of Bahrain’s sustainability goals
The MoU covers co-operation to enhance energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and balance economic and environmental priorities. Key initiatives include a specialised research study to identify the optimal energy mix for Alba’s operations, and the development of a unified ESG framework. A joint task force of experts from both organisations will lead these efforts. This collaboration, aligned with Bahrain’s net-zero 2060 commitment reinforces the value of strategic partnerships in driving sustainable industrial growth, advancing research, and delivering long-term benefits to the local community.
Alba’s CEO Ali Al Baqali stated, “This MoU with Derasat is a testament to Alba’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and innovation. By combining our industrial expertise with Derasat’s research capabilities, we are laying the groundwork for transformative ESG initiatives that will not only benefit Alba but also contribute to Bahrain’s national goals. Together, we aim to pioneer solutions in renewable energy and carbon reduction that are both economically viable and environmentally responsible.”
Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat)’s chief executive officer, Abdulla Mohamed Alahmed, added, "This memorandum reflects our shared vision to strengthen research partnerships in energy and sustainability. Through advanced mathematical modelling and scenario analysis conducted by our Artificial Intelligence and Renewable Energy Lab (AIRE Lab), we aim to deliver practical, data-driven solutions that support Bahrain’s long-term economic competitiveness and environmental goals.”
Since its inception, Alba has invested in numerous environment, sustainable and socio-economic development projects that have had a positive impact on society, launching a comprehensive ESG roadmap with six target areas in 2022. Alba’s recent projects such as the first-of-its-kind US$37.5 million zero-waste Spent Pot Lining Treatment Plant, the Power Station 5 Block 4 Project, and the upcoming +6 MW Solar Farm Project align with the goals of Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030 as well as the Kingdom’s Net Zero Carbon targets. In May 2024 Alba launched EternAl, its low carbon aluminium product line with two initial variants: EternAl-30 and EternAl-15 with a 30% and 15% recycled content, respectively. This advances its commitment to a circular economy and secondary aluminium, while addressing the growing global demand for low carbon aluminium.
Alba has been recognised for its initiatives to produce aluminium responsibly through awards such as Top ESG performer in Bahrain by ESG Invest, Safeguard Label from Bureau Veritas and Best Corporate Governance Award by Ethical Boardroom.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- North America
- Topic: HSE
- Region: North America
- Date: 21 August 2025
- Year: 2025
The US Department of the Interior is updating oil and gas commingling rules to align with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
'Commingling' means combining oil or gas production from two or more sources into a single stream for measurement and processing.
The updates, led by the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), provide clear standards that support safe operations, improve efficiency and maximise recovery of America’s energy resources. BSEE has finalised a rule to clarify expectations for offshore commingling, ensuring production methods protect well integrity, safety and ultimate recovery. The BLM is also issuing interim guidance to broaden commingling authority on public and tribal lands until updated regulations are complete. Field offices are directed to process applications quickly and consistently under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s expanded provisions.
According to the Department of the Interior, these updates support the Trump administration’s energy and regulatory priorities by advancing the goals of Executive Order, “Unleashing American Energy.” which seeks to maximise the USA’s energy resources while reducing ‘burdensome and ideallocailly motivated” regulations which impede developemtn of these resources and put up costs. They also align with Secretary Burgum’s orders emphasizing safe, efficient and predictable oversight of oil and gas operations, reinforcing policies that remove unnecessary regulatory barriers while ensuring maximum resource recovery and environmental protection.
“From day one, the Trump administration has worked to cut red tape, strengthen America’s energy dominance and ensure responsible resource development,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “We’re delivering on that by aligning our regulations with the law, streamlining approval processes and giving operators a clear framework rooted in sound science and engineering. These updates make it easier to produce American energy without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles, while at the same time protecting taxpayers, tribes and our shared energy future by ensuring production is safe, efficient and maximises the long-term value of our resources.”
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- Middle East
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 20 August 2025
- Year: 2025
Compliance rates reached 96% across the Dubai Municipality's 25,000 site inspections in the first half of 2025
That figure represents a 36% increase against H1 2024, with over 18,800 construction sites inspected.
1,669 completion certificates were issued, up 30% on 2024. Those permits represented around two million square metres of residential, commercial and industrial space.
CEO of the Dubai Municipality's buildings regulation and permits agency, Eng. Maryam Al Muhairi, said the organisation "places great emphasis on precise engineering oversight of construction activities, considering it a key tool to regulate the sector and elevate its standards, in line with our unwavering commitment to developing it into the world’s smartest and most sustainable.
"Today, Dubai is not just a rapidly developing city — it is a global platform offering a sustainable model for future urban development. We remain committed to pursuing this ambitious vision, working hand in hand with our partners in the construction sector to drive sustainability, excellence, and innovation."
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Middle East
- Topic: Fire Safety
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 20 August 2025
- Year: 2025
Oman-based Tenable Fire Engineering Consultancy (FEC) has appointed Sam Alcock as chief executive officer, as it targets 30% growth this year
Alcock joined the specialist fire and life safety consultancy in 2011 as a fire consultant and was appointed Dubai director in 2016. He has been instrumental in positioning Tenable FEC as a trusted fire engineering partner across the GCC and internationally, expanding the consultancy’s footprint in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Africa and India while maintaining strong profitability and client relationships. In his new role he will have a strong focus on scaling operations in existing markets and developing new regional and international opportunities.
In 2024, Tenable FEC recorded a 25% increase in revenue, delivering over 540 projects valued at US$6mn, spanning mixed-use and hospitality developments and pre- and post-contract fire engineering services for high-end projects such as those along the Dubai Water Canal. So far in 2025, the consultancy has been awarded projects worth US$4.2mn. With Tenable FEC now Salamah-approved in Saudi Arabia and the local office fully operational, the consultancy is targeting 30% growth this year, driven by large-scale infrastructure and masterplanning projects.
Alcock said, “It’s a privilege to be awarded the role of CEO at such a pivotal time for the business. Our team has built a strong foundation for growth and I look forward to continuing this momentum. My focus will be on expanding our capabilities, enhancing service delivery and strengthening our reputation as a leader in fire and life safety consultancy.”
Founded in Oman in 2010, Tenable Fire Engineering Consultancy provides a comprehensive range of high-quality, fire and life safety services, including code consulting, fire system design, performance-based fire design and third-party verification within the built environment. With offices in Muscat, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and London, the company executes regional and international projects of any size in the Middle East, Europe, Africa and Asia. The team approach projects with leading talent and innovative technologies while adhering to international best practices, design codes and standards.
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- Europe
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Europe
- Date: 19 August 2025
- Year: 2025
The six-month consultation seeks industry feedback on proposed restrictions on PFAS in firefighting foams
Proposed restrictions hope to combat the risks associated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances currently used in foams.
The UK Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has highlighted the risks associated with PFAS, including toxicity, with evidence suggesting PFAS can cause child developmental issues; cancer; and organ damage, mobility, as they easily travel through soil, water and air (with samples found in the Arctic); and persistence, with the chemicals known as 'forever chemicals'.
A six-month public consultation period, running until 18th February, 2026, hopes to establish stakeholder perspectives before introducing restrictions.
The director of the HSE's chemicals regulation division, Dr Richard Daniels, elaborated, "HSE’s proposals have been developed through robust scientific methodology and where possible we have spoken with interested parties from across Great Britain. Now we are looking for more information from our stakeholders.
"We’re seeking evidence-based feedback on our analysis to ensure any future restrictions are proportionate, effective and tailored to Great Britain’s specific needs."
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- Middle East
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Middle East
- Date: August 18th
- Year: 2025
The Saudi Gazette has reported several health and safety regulation changes to group housing height, space, location, and noise levels amongst other criteria
Saudi's Ministry of Municipalities and Housing deems housing units with capacity between 500 and 10,000 people as 'group housing', with residential buildings capped at 500.
Reports suggest the new regulation will require a dedicated operational supervisor at each group residential facility, bedrooms constructed at least four square meters per person occupying it, and two kitchens, toilets and bathrooms per eight residents.
One parking space must now be included per 100 residents at each residential project.
No more than 40% of the site's land plot can be developed moving forward.
Boundary walls on commercial streets, barriers above fences, and air-conditioning units or satellite dishes on balconies have reportedly all been prohibited under the new regulation.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Middle East
- Date: 18 August, 2025
- Year: 2025
Expro has completed the world’s first fully remote five-plug cementing operation in Saudi Arabia, a breakthrough that places safety at the forefront of well construction practices.
The operation used Expro’s Generation-X Remote Plug Launcher (RPL) and SkyHook cement-line make-up device, allowing a multi-stage cementing job to be carried out with no red-zone entry or man-riding activities. By removing workers from high-risk areas, the system significantly reduced exposure to hazards while maintaining precise operational control.
The achievement builds on Expro’s first cementing job in the Kingdom earlier this year, highlighting a fast ramp-up in regional capability. In May, the company applied the technology on a high-pressure gas well with a 9-5/8” casing run, which is the longest of its type in the field. All five plugs were loaded in a controlled environment and remotely launched at the well site, streamlining the process and improving well integrity.
Expro reports that the technology not only reduces rig time but also enhances safety and consistency. In another deployment, it enabled cement displacement through the top drive at up to 13 bpm, producing cleaner wellbores and cutting static wellbore time.
With these results, Expro is reinforcing its commitment to safer and more efficient operations in Saudi Arabia and beyond. The company sees its remote cementing systems as a step towards industry-wide adoption of automated solutions designed to protect people while improving performance in challenging environments.
Jeremy Angelle, vice president of well construction at Expro, said, “Our entry into Saudi Arabia is more than just geographic expansion - it’s about transforming cementing operations through advanced engineering. This breakthrough showcases our Generation-X and SkyHook technologies as world-class innovations that drive measurable safety and efficiency gains.
“Both the Generation-X™ launcher and SkyHook™ system were designed with safety, control, and field adaptability in mind,” added Angelle. “To see them deliver such strong results in a new region is a proud moment, and a signal of what’s possible as we grow our well construction capabilities globally.”
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Middle East
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 15 August 2025
- Year: 2025
Dubai Municipality has carried out more than 25,000 field inspections relating to construction activity in the first half of 2025 – a 36% increase compared to the same period in 2024
The inspections covered over 18,800 buildings under construction, with a total built-up area exceeding 36mn square metres
Compliance rates reached 96%, reflecting the Municipality’s ongoing efforts to safeguard building standards and maintain sustainable urban planning practices, ensuring safety and quality throughout all stages of construction. The approach supports Dubai’s vision to be the world’s smartest and most sustainable city in the construction sector, while reinforcing the emirate’s reputation as an investment-friendly hub with advanced infrastructure and flexible, integrated regulations.
Eng. Maryam Al Muhairi, CEO of the Buildings Regulation and Permits Agency at Dubai Municipality, said, “Dubai Municipality places great emphasis on precise engineering oversight of construction activities, considering it a key tool to regulate the sector and elevate its standards, in line with our unwavering commitment to developing it into the world’s smartest and most sustainable. We aim to provide a safe and sustainable construction environment, applying the highest quality and safety standards at all stages, which contribute to enhancing residents’ quality of life and reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading hub in construction and building.”
The Municipality oversaw the use of more than 1.5 million cubic metres of green concrete, ensuring compliance with environmental standards. Additionally, 16.4 million cubic metres of soil were recycled and transported. The Municipality issued 4,222 permits for sand transport and supply, ensuring optimal resource use, and approved over 1,126 requests for free sand to support Emirati citizens building private villas.
These initiatives form part of Dubai’s broader vision for an innovative and sustainable construction sector, streamlining building procedures, enhancing governance, and ensuring legislative and regulatory flexibility.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- North America
- Date: 13 August 2025
- Year: 2025
The Voluntary Protection Programs Participants’ Association (VPPPA) has unveiled a new initiative aimed at helping companies enhance workplace safety and health performance.
Named the “Journey Toward Safety Excellence,” the programme was announced at the 2025 Safety+ Symposium in St. Louis in Missouri and provides organisations with a structured improvement plan.
The initiative offers a combination of self-assessments, mentoring, and customised guidance to support companies in strengthening their safety management systems. The programme is set to officially launch on 1 September.
Terry J. Schulte, Chairperson of VPPPA, explained that the initiative is designed to help employers achieve the performance standards seen at top-tier OSHA Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) sites.
To support this, the association has developed a free gap analysis tool that enables organisations to identify strengths and weaknesses within their existing safety and health practices. Participating companies can sign a letter of commitment and work alongside experienced mentors to create tailored improvement plans.
The launch of “Journey Toward Safety Excellence” follows OSHA’s announcement of its new “Pathways to Safety and Health Success” programme, which expands the core elements of VPP from four to seven and aligns them with OSHA’s recommended best practices.
Schulte noted that the VPPPA initiative is intended to complement OSHA’s programme, offering additional resources and support for companies striving to achieve excellence in workplace safety.
Established in 1985, VPPPA represents over 1,400 companies and worksites across the United States. The association promotes workplace health and safety through collaboration, mentorship, and educational programmes.
Further details about the “Journey Toward Safety Excellence” initiative are available on the official VPPPA website.
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- Middle East
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Middle East
- Date: August 12th
- Year: 2025
The inaugural EMotional Aid workshop saw Burgan Bank partner with Anara and Dr. Kim Dillen, PhD, a neuropsychologist, to empower senior staff with the skills to turn them into emotional wellness champions in the workplace.
Zahra Boarki, the bank's senior manager of internal communication, said the workshop "extends [the bank's] ongoing commitment to instilling mental health as a fundamental pillar of its corporate work culture". Prioritizing our employees’ health and safety stems from our belief that a balanced environment is a catalyst for growth and creativity.
"We are committed to maintaining a robust series of internal events and activities that seek to enrich all aspects of our employees’ lives, bolstering their physical and mental wellbeing at all times."
Graduates from the workshop become emotional wellness champions, allowing them to better cater to their team's personal wellness needs and professional support requests.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- North America
- Date: 8 August 2025
- Year: 2025
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is joining forces with businesses nationwide to celebrate Safe + Sound Week from 11-17 August 2025.
This annual campaign highlights the achievements of workplace safety and health programmes and provides valuable information to help keep workers safe across the country.
Safe + Sound Week encourages organisations to adopt effective safety measures that enable them to identify and manage workplace hazards proactively. By doing so, businesses can prevent injuries and illnesses, enhance overall sustainability, and improve their financial performance.
The 2025 event will focus particularly on emergency preparedness and response. Emergencies can occur unexpectedly anywhere and at any time, posing risks not only to workers but also to customers and the public.
Such incidents can disrupt operations, cause physical harm, or result in environmental damage.
During the week, OSHA will offer resources aimed at helping businesses stay informed about potential risks, develop robust emergency action plans, and prepare employees to respond quickly and effectively if an emergency arises.
These tools are designed to support organisations in building resilience and protecting their workforce.
Safe + Sound Week is open to all organisations regardless of their size or industry sector. Participation demonstrates a company’s dedication to workplace safety and provides an opportunity to strengthen existing safety and health programmes.
Last year, over 5,000 businesses took part in Safe + Sound Week, working together to raise awareness of the importance of safety in the workplace.
The initiative continues to grow each year, reflecting a shared commitment to creating safer and healthier work environments across the United States.
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- North America
- Topic: HSE
- Region: North America
- Date: August 7th
- Year: 2025
A two-day workshop launched the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE)'s new 'Dominance by Design' initiative, which unites experts and government representatives to develop future offshore resource strategy.
The workshop was held at the BSEE's Gulf of America regional office, and was described as "a unique opportunity to engage directly with the experts who operate in the field every day... this engagement has provided BSEE with invaluable insights to ensure our oversight is not just robust, but also agile and efficient," by the bureau's assistant director Seong Kim.
Evan Zimmerman, the Offshore Operators Committee's executive director, praised the new initiative.
"This session was highly valuable, providing a constructive platform to identify and address challenges in our offshore energy permitting processes.
"By focusing on the permit-related data, we can take a practical approach to improving efficiency and streamlining pathways for important offshore energy projects, supporting American energy goals."
The BSEE has confirmed plans to hold additional 'Dominance by Design' sessions to ensure a smart and strategic approach to developing the offshore energy sector.